Applesauce Substitute for Butter: Exact Ratio
Looking for a butter substitute? Applesauce works as a direct replacement. Use 1/2 cup applesauce per 1 cup butter in any recipe that calls for butter. This swap works best for muffins, quick breads, cakes.
Best Substitute
Applesauce
1/2 cup applesauce per 1 cup butter
A low-fat swap for baking only. Use half the amount of butter called for. Keeps baked goods moist but will not create flakiness. Works best when combined with some fat.
Flavor & Texture Change
Adds a faint apple sweetness. Texture becomes softer and more cake-like, less crispy. Baked goods can turn gummy if you use too much.
When Not to Use
Do not use for pastries, pie crusts, frostings, or anything requiring structure from fat. Only works in moist baked goods like muffins, quick breads, and cakes. Never use as a full 1:1 swap; replace only half the butter.
Tips When Replacing Butter in Recipes
When substituting butter, consider its three roles: fat (for richness and tenderness), water content (for steam and leavening), and milk solids (for browning and flavor). Oil-based substitutes provide fat but not steam. For flaky pastry, use solid fats like coconut oil or vegan butter, not liquid oils.
What Is Butter and Why Substitute It?
A dairy fat made from churned cream, used for flavor, moisture, tenderness, and flakiness in baking and cooking. Contains about 80% fat, 15% water, and 5% milk solids.
Applesauce is one of 6 alternatives you can use instead of butter. For a complete list of butter substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full butter substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Butter?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use applesauce instead of butter?
Yes, you can use applesauce as a substitute for butter. Use 1/2 cup applesauce per 1 cup butter. A low-fat swap for baking only. Use half the amount of butter called for. Keeps baked goods moist but will not create flakiness. Works best when combined with some fat.
How much applesauce equals butter?
Use 1/2 cup applesauce per 1 cup butter to replace butter with applesauce. Works best for muffins, quick breads, cakes.
What is the best substitute for butter?
Applesauce is a popular substitute for butter. Use 1/2 cup applesauce per 1 cup butter for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 6 alternatives on our butter substitute page.
Does applesauce change the taste when replacing butter?
Do not use for pastries, pie crusts, frostings, or anything requiring structure from fat. Only works in moist baked goods like muffins, quick breads, and cakes. Never use as a full 1:1 swap; replace only half the butter.
Is applesauce a vegan substitute for butter?
Yes, applesauce is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to butter. Use 1/2 cup applesauce per 1 cup butter.